Getting in and out of a lifted or stock-height truck is harder than it looks, and the right set of assist steps can make a genuine difference for daily drivers, families with kids, and anyone hauling gear. We researched and compared dozens of running boards, nerf bars, and hitch-mounted steps across popular truck platforms to identify the six options that consistently earn strong owner feedback for fitment, durability, and ease of install.
This guide covers a range of price tiers from budget-friendly tube steps to premium power-retractable boards, with honest notes on what each product does well and where it falls short. Whether you drive a Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Ram 1500, or a mid-size like the Tacoma, you will find a well-matched option below.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
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APS iBoard 6-Inch Running Boards Best Overall 6-inch wide aluminum step with non-slip pads, vehicle-specific brackets |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Tyger Auto TG-AM2F70078 Running Boards Best Value 5-inch aluminum side step bars with textured rubber pads |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Westin Automotive 27-6635 Pro Traxx 5 Oval Nerf Bars Best Nerf Bar Style Stainless steel oval tube with step pads, 5-inch width |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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IONIC 5 Power Retractable Running Boards Best Power Step Motorized aluminum boards, auto-extend on door open, app-compatible |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Rough Country SRB094787 Cab Length Running Boards Best for Off-Road Trucks Steel cab-length boards with aggressive textured surface, lifted truck compatible |
7.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Maximus-3 303-3014 Hitch Mounted Truck Step Best Hitch Step 2-inch receiver hitch step with rotating platform, 500 lb capacity |
7.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. APS iBoard 6-Inch Running Boards: Best Overall
The APS iBoard is our top overall pick because it balances a wide, confidence-inspiring step surface with a fitment system that removes most of the guesswork at install time. The 6-inch aluminum platform is notably wider than a standard 3-inch nerf bar, which matters when you are loading groceries, hoisting a child into a crew cab, or just stepping up after a long day. Owners across F-150, Silverado 1500, and Ram 1500 applications consistently report that the vehicle-specific brackets require no drilling and align cleanly on the first attempt.
The main honest drawback is ground clearance. The running board profile sits lower than a tube-style nerf bar, so drivers who regularly park on high curbs or take mild off-road paths report occasional scrapes on the outer edge. If your truck stays on pavement the overwhelming majority of the time, this is a mid-range to premium buy that holds up well over several seasons of use.
- Vehicle-specific no-drill brackets for most full-size trucks
- 6-inch wide step surface with anti-slip coating
- Black powder-coat finish resists corrosion
Pros: Very wide step surface makes entry easy for passengers of all ages; Bracket kit is truck-specific so alignment is straightforward
Cons: Step sits lower than nerf bars, which can catch on tall curbs or unpaved trails
2. Tyger Auto TG-AM2F70078 Running Boards: Best Value
Tyger Auto has earned a reputation as a reliable budget-to-mid-range brand, and the TG-AM2F70078 boards reflect that positioning well. The 5-inch aluminum extrusion is sturdy for its weight class, and the rubber step inserts cover enough of the surface to be genuinely useful in wet or muddy conditions. Install instructions are clear and most owners complete the job in under two hours using basic hand tools.
Where Tyger falls slightly short is hardware consistency. A notable minority of buyers report receiving bracket sets with marginal fitment or bolts that strip more easily than expected, which points to quality control variance rather than a design flaw. If your set fits cleanly out of the box, you are getting exceptional value for a budget-tier price. The step surface is narrower than the APS iBoard by one inch, which is noticeable but not a dealbreaker for most adult users.
- 5-inch step surface with slip-resistant rubber inserts
- Bolt-on fitment, no cutting required
- Matte black finish compatible with most truck colors
Pros: One of the more affordable full-length running boards with solid build quality; Rubber step pads stay grippy even when wet
Cons: Mounting hardware quality is inconsistent between production runs, with some buyers receiving misaligned bolt holes
3. Westin Automotive 27-6635 Pro Traxx 5 Oval Nerf Bars: Best Nerf Bar Style
Westin is one of the more established names in truck accessories, and the Pro Traxx Oval Nerf Bars show why. The 304 stainless construction is a genuine upgrade over powder-coated steel at this price tier because it does not rust or oxidize when exposed to road salt over multiple winters. The oval tube shape also adds rigidity compared to a simple round tube, which means less flex when a heavier person steps on them regularly.
The trade-off versus a full-length running board is step pad placement. Westin positions pads at the front and rear door openings on crew cab trucks, which covers the most common entry points but leaves a gap in the middle on extended-cab configurations. Users with longer legs typically find this non-issue, while shorter passengers occasionally reach for a spot that has no pad. Ground clearance is meaningfully better than running boards, which benefits light trail use. This sits in the mid-range tier.
- 304 stainless steel construction for long-term rust resistance
- Oval tube profile is more rigid than round at the same diameter
- Integrated step pads at door openings
Pros: Stainless steel finish stays bright with minimal maintenance; Higher ground clearance than full-length running boards
Cons: Step pad coverage is limited to two spots per side, so entry between cab and bed is less supported
4. IONIC 5 Power Retractable Running Boards: Best Power Step
Power retractable steps occupy the premium tier for good reason. The IONIC 5 boards extend automatically when any door opens and retract cleanly when the door closes, which means you get the step when you need it and full ground clearance while driving. The aluminum platform is wide and the non-slip surface works in wet conditions. App connectivity is a genuine differentiator, allowing you to manually extend the boards for bed loading even without opening a door.
The honest concern with any motorized step system is long-term reliability. The motor, wiring harness, and sensors add multiple failure points that a fixed tube step simply does not have. Several owners report motor failures after two to three years, and diagnosis typically requires an auto electrician rather than a home mechanic. This is a premium purchase that pays off in convenience and resale appeal on newer trucks, but the ongoing maintenance risk is real and should factor into your decision.
- Deploys automatically when door opens, retracts when door closes
- Aluminum platform with non-slip surface
- Compatible with most 2015 to present full-size trucks
Pros: Power retraction keeps boards tucked away for better ground clearance when driving; App allows manual control and timer settings
Cons: Motor and wiring harness add significant complexity, and failures require professional diagnosis
5. Rough Country SRB094787 Cab Length Running Boards: Best for Off-Road Trucks
Rough Country targets the off-road segment and the SRB094787 reflects that focus. The cab-length design stops at the end of the cab rather than running the full length of the truck, which reduces the chance of snagging the step on a rock or berm during trail use. The steel construction handles the extra stress that comes with a lifted truck where leverage on the step is greater. The textured surface grips well when boots are wet or muddy, which matters on a work or trail truck.
The durability story has a caveat. While the steel itself is robust, the powder coat shows chips and scratches faster than stainless or anodized aluminum options when the truck is regularly on rough terrain. Budget-tier pricing makes this easy to accept, but owners who want a pristine appearance year after year will need to touch up the finish periodically. For a daily work truck or weekend trail rig in the budget-to-mid range, this is a purposeful pick.
- Cab-length design covers door openings without extending past the cab
- Heavy steel construction rated for demanding use
- Textured step surface grips muddy boots
Pros: Shorter cab-length profile avoids trail obstacles better than full-length boards; Aggressive texture keeps grip when boots are caked in mud
Cons: Heavier than aluminum options and the powder coat chips more easily in rocky terrain
6. Maximus-3 303-3014 Hitch Mounted Truck Step: Best Hitch Step
The Maximus-3 hitch step solves a specific problem that running boards do not: getting into the bed of the truck from the rear. It slots into any 2-inch receiver and a rotating arm lets you swing the platform to face the bed, the bumper, or anywhere in between. The 500-pound rated capacity is genuinely reassuring and the steel construction feels solid. For truck owners who only need step assistance when loading cargo, this avoids the cost and permanence of side-mounted boards entirely.
The limitation is equally specific. Because the step occupies the hitch receiver, it must be removed any time you need to tow or use a cargo carrier. Owners who tow regularly report that the install and removal cycle becomes tedious after a few weeks, which reduces the practical appeal. It is also a rear-only solution, so it does not help with cab entry at all. This is a budget-tier accessory that delivers excellent value for its narrow use case, but it is not a substitute for side steps if cab access is the primary need.
- Fits any standard 2-inch receiver hitch
- Rotating step swings 180 degrees for bed or bumper access
- 500 lb rated load capacity
Pros: No permanent mounting required, installs and removes in seconds; Rotating arm provides flexible positioning for bed access
Cons: Blocks trailer hitch while installed, so you must remove it before towing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between running boards and nerf bars for trucks?
Running boards are flat, wide platforms that run the full length of the cab and sometimes the bed, giving you a broad surface to step onto. Nerf bars are tube-shaped rails that position step pads at specific door openings rather than providing a continuous surface. Running boards are generally easier to use for passengers of all ages and sizes, while nerf bars offer better ground clearance and tend to suit trucks that see occasional off-road or trail use. Both styles are available in fixed and power-retractable versions.
Will aftermarket assist steps fit my specific truck without drilling?
Most quality running boards and nerf bars are sold with vehicle-specific bracket kits that bolt directly to existing frame holes, requiring no drilling. The key is to verify the exact year, make, model, and cab configuration before purchasing because bracket kits are not universal. Extended cab and crew cab trucks use different bracket spacing, and some bed lengths affect whether a full-length board fits cleanly. Always check the product fitment guide for your specific configuration before ordering.
How much weight can truck assist steps hold?
Most fixed running boards and nerf bars are rated for 300 to 500 pounds of dynamic load, which comfortably covers adult users stepping up in a single motion. Hitch-mounted steps like the Maximus-3 are often rated at 500 pounds as well. Power retractable boards vary by model, with most rated between 250 and 400 pounds. For commercial work trucks or situations where multiple people step on the board simultaneously, verify the static load rating in the product specifications rather than relying on the dynamic rating alone.
Are power retractable steps worth it compared to fixed steps?
Power retractable steps add meaningful convenience and improve ground clearance while driving because the boards tuck away when not in use. They are particularly valuable on lifted trucks where fixed boards would otherwise hang low enough to cause clearance concerns on trail approaches. The trade-off is cost, which sits at the premium tier, and long-term reliability risk from the motor and wiring harness. For a daily driver where comfort and resale value matter, they are a strong upgrade. For a dedicated work or trail truck, a simpler fixed step may serve you better over the long run.
Can I install truck assist steps myself or do I need a professional?
Fixed running boards and nerf bars are among the more straightforward truck accessories to install at home. Most vehicle-specific kits include all required hardware and take between one and three hours with basic hand tools, a torque wrench, and a second person to hold the board in position while you tighten the brackets. Power retractable boards are more involved because they require routing a wiring harness to a door trigger or control module, which can take three to five hours and may benefit from a professional install if you are not comfortable with automotive wiring.
Our Verdict
The APS iBoard 6-Inch Running Boards earn the top pick for most truck owners because they combine a wide, genuinely useful step surface with a no-drill bracket system and solid long-term durability across a wide range of full-size truck applications. Drivers who want the convenience of automatic deployment and improved ground clearance while driving should look at the IONIC 5 Power Retractable Running Boards as a premium runner-up, keeping in mind the added maintenance complexity that comes with any motorized system.
